Former President Barack Obama is set to return to the campaign trail in Ohio, joining forces with Democratic Senate candidate Sherrod Brown and gubernatorial nominee Amy Acton at a rally in Cleveland on Oct. 24. The event is part of a broader push by the former president to shore up support for Democratic candidates in key battleground states ahead of the Nov. 3 midterms.
Ohio has become a focal point this cycle, with both the Senate and governor's races drawing national attention. Brown, a former U.S. senator, is challenging Republican incumbent Jon Husted, who was appointed to the Senate by Gov. Mike DeWine after JD Vance ascended to the vice presidency. Acton, meanwhile, faces biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy in the gubernatorial contest. Both races are considered competitive, though the state has shifted rightward in recent presidential elections.
In an endorsement video released Tuesday, Obama highlighted Brown's record on labor and economic issues, arguing that the race could have national implications. "This race is going to be close," Obama said. "It could determine which party controls the Senate and whether Ohioans can count on the people in Washington to be fighting for you."
The former president's appearance underscores the high stakes of the Ohio contests. Forecasters at Decision Desk HQ currently give Democrats a 77% chance of winning back the House and a 56% chance of taking the Senate, but those projections could shift as the campaign enters its final weeks.
President Trump made his own trip to Ohio on Monday, rallying support for Husted and Ramaswamy. While he encouraged voters to back the Republican ticket, Trump also used the event to attack Democratic figures, including Rep. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota. The dueling visits highlight the state's importance in the national fight for Congress.
Obama has been an active surrogate for Democrats this election cycle, appearing in multiple states. On the same day as the Cleveland rally, he is scheduled to campaign for Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed and gubernatorial hopeful Jocelyn Benson, as early voting gets underway there. His involvement reflects the party's strategy to energize base voters, particularly in states where races are tight.
The Ohio governor's race has been especially volatile, with recent polling showing a narrow margin between Acton and Ramaswamy. Analysts point to the state's shifting demographics and the influence of national issues, including the economy and abortion, as key factors. Meanwhile, the Senate race has drawn heavy spending from outside groups, with both parties viewing it as a potential tipping point for control of the chamber.
For Brown, who has served in the Senate since 2007, the endorsement from Obama is a familiar boost. The two worked closely during Obama's presidency, and Brown has often invoked that relationship on the stump. Acton, a former state health director who gained prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic, is hoping to translate her public health background into a winning campaign in a state that has trended Republican in recent cycles.
As the campaign enters its final stretch, both parties are likely to pour additional resources into Ohio. Obama's visit is expected to draw significant crowds and media attention, while Trump's earlier appearance signals that the White House is also treating the state as a priority. With control of Congress on the line, the outcome in Ohio could have far-reaching consequences for the remainder of Biden's term.
